Israel has nukes, we can still protect them without invading random Arab countries every 10 years.
But, regardless, it definitely is a much more hands off approach. Its kind of like Arrakis in Dune, as long as the spice (oil) flows, nobody cares about the inhabitants.
They’re our only friendly in a sea of declared enemies.
Maybe with the US being energy independent we can let the Middle East move into the obscurity it so desperately needs. Once the stakes are more localized, they can work out their local issues without nations from halfway around the world getting PTSD trying to interfere.
https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/friends-...
Sort answer, they're a staunch ally providing security, intelligence and economic partnerships.